The biggest direct connection we have to members is through our CPD offerings. While there is plenty of competition, the CBA has the ability to combine the direct connection that the Branch Sections have with the members and the National Sections ability to develop large and comprehensive CPD programs. More resources to create centrepiece events will keep our current members engaged and draw in new members looking for the premier of CPD offerings.

Like other professional associations, the CBA offers a detailed list of membership categories to draw as many people in as possible. However, it is time to review those categories with a focus to driving membership up while not undercutting our finances. I specifically highlight Students and Young Lawyers because they are the future of the organization in the long term. If we can get Students and Young Lawyers involved with the CBA from the start, they are more likely to stay a member as they grow in their career, especially when they see and experience all the services and opportunities the CBA has to offer.

We need to grow our membership from all the pools that exist for lawyers. This means, in addition to big firms, taking a special focus to increase membership from Public Sector and Solo/Small Firms lawyers. Each provide their own difficulties, but programs offered by various Branches show the way forward by creating engagement and CPD opportunities that draw in lawyers from all areas of practice and size of firm.